We've talked about this for a while and this is the perfect time for us to make this move, because the brewery is at a great place right now

Double Mountain's Chalie Devereux and Matt Swihart

The brewery now sells beers in returnable bottles.Double Mountain

Double Mountain's partners announced a buyout plan today that will leave brewer/founder Matt Swihart as sole owner of the much loved Hood River brewery and allow founding partner Charlie Devereux the freedom to start a new venture closer to home --- Portland, in his case.

The pair founded the Hood River brewery in 2007 and saw it grow at double percentage points ever since. “We brewed 8,000 barrels (about 250,000 gallons) last year,” says Swihart, “and I want to do 9,500 barrels (about 280,000 gallons) this year." A recent doubling in both production and pub space affords Double Mountain the room to grow, and the brewery now sells its beers in returnable bottles as well as draft.

“We've talked about this for a while and this is the perfect time for us to make this move,” says Devereux, “because the brewery is maturing nicely and it's at a great place right now. Matt wants to run Double Mountain until he's old and gray, and I like starting new businesses, so this will give me the financial stability I need --- as far as the friendship, that won't change.”

Devereux has no firm plans yet and plans to take some time for himself. “Like most small business owners,” he says, “Matt and I have worked out tails off since the beginning, and I'm looking forward to a bit of a breather...”

Here's the press release they sent out this morning...

Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom co-founders and owners announce Matt Swihart’s purchase of Charlie Devereux’s interest in the company. The transfer is effective immediately; Charlie will continue to work for a short while as needed to make sure the transition goes smoothly.

“We knew from day one that our strengths complemented each other,” says Matt. “We believe that our combined vision and skills gave birth to an incredible company with great people and great beer. However, we recognize that we have different work philosophies. Charlie is an awesome business partner and someone who is destined to create things. My interest and passion is around brewing and operations and this scenario allows us to each evolve in ways that will continue to make us both happy.”

Double Mountain has achieved double-digit growth every year since its inception in 2007. “We wanted to get the brewery to a place where it would continue to thrive if one of us stepped away, and now is that time,” adds Charlie. “From the beginning, we’ve been excited to share our vision of what a great brewery should be, and we’re beyond proud of what we’ve created together. Double Mountain is rock-solid and poised for even greater things.”

Matt will continue to sing the praises of reusable glass and ferment new ideas; Charlie’s immediate plans include a little time off before starting work on a new venture. David Alan will continue as the brewery sales representative, working closely with Matt to provide excellent customer service to accounts.